Missed Period & Negative Pregnancy Test: Understanding the Causes

Question
hi. i thought i was pregnant because i have missed a period and my belly was swelling. i went to the doctor but had to have an emergency appointment so it wasn't my usual doctor. i had a pregnancy test, it came back negative. but... i am still really worried. he didn't say why i didn't have a period, but i have checked it out and have thought that i have been a little stressed i had a bereavement in the family. problems with my boyfriend. just started college. but i do feel like something is wrong i have period pains with no period, an also pain in the left side. my belly is not hard and i can grab the fat, i thought this may be due to eating more takeaways and not exercising as i am too stressed at college. i feel like am over-reacting but there are times when i panic and times when am normal. i had sex 3 months ago i messed the pill up and he didn't ejaculate, i have had no other symptoms and have had a period after i had sex but this time i had brownish spotting of a period but i had stopped the pill half way through. my belly hurts from time to time. is there something wrong and should i be worried?  

Answer
Hi Joanne :)

Considering the last time you had intercourse was 3 months ago, and you have seen a doctor, I think its very unlikely that you are pregnant. The testing would have been conclusive by now, if you were indeed pregnant.

However, You did stop the pill half way through your cycle. Even though it was a couple of months ago, that will completely send your hormones into complete havoc. That would totally explain the spotting you experienced.

Keep in mind, that hormonal imbalances will mimic pregnancy symptoms, so it can be hard to decipher. But as I said, pregnancy has been ruled out.

Now, what does concern me, is this pain you complain about. If I were you, I would definately go back to your doctor and ask for an ultrasound. Explain your issue, regarding to your irregular period as of late, especially the pain. Sounds to me you could have an ovarian cyst, or uterine fibroid. These are generally not serious, but they can be painful, and they can also interfere with your menstrual cycle.

Also, if cysts and fibroids become large enough, they will give ladies a swollen belly, that can resemble a pregnant belly. So this coincides with everything you told me.

You could have had this for some time. For some women being on the pill, they have cysts but go undiagnosed because the hormone can keep it at bay. Usually, after coming off the pill, the cyst is able to grow, or cause discomfort. So its definately worth getting a check on your ovaries and uterus.

I hope this is of some help, and thanks for writing. If you have any more concerns, please dont hesitate to write back.

-Kristy